Bouncing baby chair

ABSTRACT

A bouncing baby chair comprising a seat assembly supported by a frame and a resilient biasing device provides a bouncing motion which parents or other caretakers may use to soothe a colicky baby. The baby chair provides a bouncing motion which is substantially vertical that is soothing without creating or exacerbating a baby&#39;s digestion problems. The baby chair also supports a parent in a seated position on a seat assembly which reduces fatigue. In one embodiment, the seat assembly is supported by one or more resilient biasing devices. The seat assembly may bounce by moving downward distorting the resilient biasing device and upward assisted by the biasing device returning to a substantially undistorted state. The soothing bouncing motion may be produced by repeating these motions on the bouncing baby chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to seating and in particular to abouncing baby chair that allows parents to soothe agitated babies.

2. Related Art

As is known, a colicky or agitated baby can be difficult to soothe, andmay cry, scream, or both for long periods of time. It is believed thatone possible cause of colic is abdominal pain or abdominal gas relatedto digestion. Various remedies such as changes in diet or administrationof digestion aids have been used to reduce or “treat” colic. However, itis often difficult or impossible to determine what changes in diet willwork. In addition, administration of medical treatment such asprobiotics may be undesirable for parents and their baby.

One less invasive remedy that has been shown to soothe colicky babies isgentle rocking of the baby. Though not as drastic as changing the baby'sdiet or medical treatment, rocking is not effective all the time. Inaddition, the rocking motion may cause the baby to have acid refluxwhich causes further agitation to the baby. Further, rocking may betiring for sleep-deprived parents, especially when a baby is agitatedfor an extended period.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bouncing baby chair for soothing agitated or colicky babies isprovided herein. The bouncing baby chair provides a bouncing motionwhich soothes babies that cannot otherwise be calmed. Unlike rocking orother motions, the bouncing motion does not cause or exacerbate a baby'sdigestion problems. The baby chair also provides support for a parent'sbody in a seated position which reduces parental fatigue.

In one embodiment, the baby chair comprises a frame and a seat assemblysupported within the frame. The frame may comprise two trapezoidal sidesupports having a closed top portion and an open bottom portion, one ormore lower cross members extending between the trapezoidal side supportsat a bottom end of the trapezoidal side supports, one or more uppercross members extending between the trapezoidal side supports at a topend of the trapezoidal side supports, the one or more upper crossmembers at a rear of the baby chair.

The seat assembly may comprise a seat configured to accept a user in aseated position, a backrest configured to support a user's back, and aseat frame comprising an upper frame and a lower frame. The lower framemay be configured to support the seat, and the upper frame may extendupward from a front end of the lower frame and towards a back end of thelower frame. A back portion of the upper frame may support the backrest.One or more resilient biasing devices may be between the seat assemblyand the frame. The resilient biasing devices may be attached at a firstend to the frame and attached at a second end to the seat assembly suchthat the seat assembly may bounce within the frame while attached to theone or more resilient biasing devices.

The resilient biasing devices may be attached at the first end to theupper cross member of the frame. In addition, the resilient biasingdevices may be one or more resilient biasing devices of a first strengthand one or more resilient biasing devices of a second strength. Also,the supports of the first strength may be at a front portion of the seatassembly while the supports of the second strength may be at a rearportion of the seat assembly. The resilient biasing devices may besprings.

One or more wheels at the bottom end of the trapezoidal side supportsmay be provided to allow the baby chair to be easily moved. In addition,the backrest and seat may be formed from a single rigid material.

In one embodiment, the baby chair comprises a seat frame comprising anupper frame and a lower frame with the lower frame extending upward andback from a front portion of the lower frame. A seat may be attached tothe lower frame and a backrest attached to the upper frame. The upperframe of the seat frame may be curved to form one or more curvedarmrests. The baby chair may also include one or more side supportshaving a closed top portion and an open bottom portion, and one or morearmrests formed by a portion of the upper frame between the backrest andthe seat. The side supports may also be completely closed in someembodiments. Also, the side supports may be trapezoidal in shape.

One or more upper cross members may extend between the one or more sidesupports at a top end of the one or more side supports. The one or moreupper cross members may be at a rear portion of the one or more sidesupports, and may be longer than the width of the seat to allow the seatto fit between the one or more side supports. One or more lower crossmembers may extend between the one or more side supports at a bottom endof the one or more side supports.

One or more rear resilient biasing devices attached at a first end tothe one or more upper cross members and at a second end to the lowerframe of the seat frame, and one or more front resilient biasing devicesattached at a first end to the one or more side supports and at a secondend to the lower frame of the seat frame at the front portion of thelower frame may be provided as well. It is noted that the baby chair mayonly have one rear resilient biasing device in some configurations. Theresilient biasing devices configured to allow the user to bounce whenseated on the baby chair. The front resilient biasing devices may be ofa first strength and the rear resilient biasing devices of a secondstrength. In some embodiments, the front resilient biasing devices andthe rear resilient biasing devices comprise covered springs.

A method of soothing a baby at a bouncing baby chair is also provided.In one embodiment, the method comprises accepting a user carrying a babyon a seat assembly of a baby chair. The seat assembly may comprise aseat frame supporting a seat and a backrest of the seat assembly with anupper frame of the seat frame forming one or more armrests. The methodmay also include supporting the user's weight with the seat, supportingthe user's back with the backrest, and bouncing the seat assembly in anup and down motion within a frame of the baby chair to soothe the baby.The frame may comprise two side supports having a closed top portion andan open bottom portion, and the seat assembly may be attached to theframe by one or more resilient biasing devices.

The bouncing baby chair may be moved from one location to another on oneor more wheels attached at a bottom end of the bouncing baby chair. Theuser's arms may be supported on an armrest formed by an upper frame ofthe seat frame. Physical contact with the one or more resilient biasingdevices may be prevented with the closed top portion of the two sidesupports to increase safety. For example, physical contact with theresilient biasing devices may be prevented with one or more tubularcovers surrounding the resilient biasing devices.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary bouncing baby chair;

FIGS. 1B-1C are perspective views of exemplary openings for securing aresilient biasing device;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of exemplary mounts for securing aresilient biasing device;

FIGS. 2A-2C are side views of an exemplary bouncing baby chair inoperation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary bouncing baby chair;

FIGS. 4A-4C are side views of an exemplary bouncing baby chair inoperation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary bouncing baby chair; and

FIGS. 6A-6C are side views of an exemplary bouncing baby chair inoperation.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an exemplary bouncing baby chair.

FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of an exemplary seat assembly.

FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of an exemplary frame.

FIG. 7D is a rear perspective view of an exemplary bouncing baby chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

The bouncing baby chair herein allows parents to soothe a colicky babythrough a gentle bouncing motion. This is advantageous in that bouncingmay be effective in soothing a colicky baby where rocking or otherremedies have not been effective. Also, in contrast to a traditionalrocking motion, the bouncing motion provided by the bouncing baby chairdoes not exacerbate the problem by causing acid reflux or otherdigestive problems. The bouncing baby chair allows this gentle bouncingmotion to be easily generated with little strain on parents.

In one or more embodiments, the bouncing baby chair supports a parentand his or her baby. The parent may then soothe the baby with the babyin his or her arms and in a generally seated position. This is lessburdensome on the parent who may ordinarily rock the baby with his orher arms while standing or sitting. Without an aid, a parent wouldtypically have to gently bounce the baby with his or her own strength.This can be tiring especially when a parent is already sleep-deprived orwhen a baby is colicky in the middle of the night or early in themorning.

As will be described further below, the bouncing baby chair generallyprovides a resilient biasing device which allows a bouncing motion to beeasily generated by a parent. In one or more embodiments, the baby chairallows a parent to gently bounce with a baby in his or her arms while ina generally seated position. The baby chair may support the parent's andthe baby's weight, and in some embodiments, a back support may beprovided to support the parent's back. It is noted that though describedherein with regard to a baby's parents as users of the chair, anycaretaker or other person may utilize the baby chair.

The bouncing baby chair will now be described with regard to thefigures. FIG. 1A is a side view illustrating an embodiment of thebouncing baby chair. As shown, the baby chair comprises a frame 104 atits lower end and a seat assembly 108 at its upper end. In general, theseat assembly 108 rotates about a pivot 116 of the frame 104. A bouncingmotion may then be provided by a resilient biasing device 112 whichprovides a force that dampens or resists downward movement of the seatassembly 108. The force provided by the resilient biasing device 112also returns the seat assembly 108 upward. In this manner, the babychair's seat assembly 108 provides a bouncing motion for soothing anagitated baby.

In general, the frame 104 of the bouncing baby chair supports the othercomponents of the baby chair as well as any users of the baby chair. Theframe 104 will typically be formed from one or more rigid materials andmay include one or more braces 140 to provide a structure capable ofsupporting the components of the baby chair as well as any users of thechair.

In the embodiment shown, the frame 104 has a base 120 which stabilizesthe bouncing baby chair relative to the floor. The base 120, or aportion thereof, may contact the floor to perform this function. Thebase 120 may comprise one or more elongated members, such as shown, orother structures. For example, the base 120 may comprise one or moreplanar or other shaped portions in some embodiments.

A riser 124 of the frame 104 may extend upward from the base 120 tosupport the seat assembly 108 of the bouncing baby chair. This allowsthe seat assembly 108 to be supported at an elevated position whichallows a user to be in a seated position when using the baby chair. Theriser 124 may be reinforced by one or more braces 140 such as shown inFIG. 1A or may be configured to be sufficiently strong without anybracing.

As shown, the riser 124 comprises one or more elongated members orstructures. It is noted that, like the frame 104, other configurationsmay be used. In addition, it is contemplated that the frame 104 andriser 124 may be integrally formed. For example, in one embodiment, theframe 104 and riser 124 may be combined in a generally triangularstructure where the riser is formed by the elevated portion of thetriangular structure. The slope of the triangular structure may includeone or more angles, curves, or both to accommodate a resilient biasingdevice 112.

A pivot 116 may be provided in one or more embodiments to allow the seatassembly 108 to move in a bouncing motion. In general, a pivot 116allows the seat assembly 108 to rotate about a substantially horizontalaxis. This allows the seat assembly to provide a substantially verticalbouncing motion to a parent and baby, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1A.The pivot 116 may attach to an end or other portion of the seat assembly108.

The pivot 116 may be located at an upper end of the riser 124. Forexample, as shown, a pivot 116 may be provided at the top of the riser114. It is contemplated that the pivot 116 may also be located on otherlocations of the riser 124. This is beneficial because it allows theangle of the seat assembly 108 to be adjusted as desired. For example, apivot 116 at generally the same height as the top of a resilient biasingdevice (as will be discussed below) may cause the seat assembly 108 tobe positioned generally parallel to the ground. A pivot 116 lower orhigher than the top of a resilient biasing device will typically causethe seat assembly 108 to be in an angled or tilted position.Alternatively or in addition, it is contemplated that a series of pivots116 may be located along the riser 124 to allow the seat assembly 108 tobe repositioned. This allows the baby chair's bouncing motion to beadjusted for different users and babies.

The pivot 116 itself may comprise any structure or device, now known orlater developed, which rotatably secures a seat assembly. For example, ahinge may be used as a pivot 116 in one or more embodiments. In otherembodiments, the pivot 116 may comprise an axle fitted through one ormore openings or axle mounts in the seat support 144 and the arm 124. Itis noted that one or more pivots 116 may be provided in someembodiments. For example, as shown, one pivot 116 supports one side ofthe seat assembly while another pivot supports the other side of theseat assembly 108.

The seat assembly 108 itself may comprise a seat 128 which allows aparent to sit on the seat assembly. The seat 128 typically forms thebottom of a seat assembly 108. In addition, a portion of the seat 128may be used to secure or attach the seat assembly 108 to the pivot 116.This allows the seat assembly 108 to rotate about the pivot 116.

The seat assembly 108 may also comprise a backrest 132 in one or moreembodiments. As can be seen, the backrest 132 may extend upward from theseat 128 to support a user's back. This reduces strain on the user andprovides additional comfort when using the bouncing baby chair. Thebackrest 132 may extend at various angles, and may have an adjustableangle in one or more embodiments. In addition, it is contemplated that abackrest 132 may be removable in some embodiments. It is noted that theangle of the backrest 132 may determine which direction a parent faceswhen seated in the bouncing baby chair.

In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 108 may include one ormore pads 136 to increase user comfort. For example, the bouncing babychair may provide a padded seat bottom and/or backrest. To illustrate,in FIG. 1A, the seat assembly 108 has a pad 136 on the seat 128 and apad for the backrest 132. It is noted that a seat assembly 108 mayinclude other elements for better ergonomics or comfort. For example, asdescribed below, a seat assembly 108 may include one or more armrests.

As stated above, one or more resilient biasing devices 112 provide abiasing force which allows and assists in moving the seat assembly 108in a bouncing motion. Typically, the resilient biasing device 112 willbe positioned beneath a portion of the seat assembly 108. This allowsthe resilient biasing device 112 to support and apply its biasing forceto the seat assembly 108. For example, a resilient biasing device 112may be beneath a portion or end of the seat assembly not supported bythe pivot 116, as shown. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly108 may be supported at a first end by the pivot 116, and at a secondend by the resilient biasing device 112. It will be understood that theresilient biasing device may be positioned at various points beneath theseat assembly 108 to support the second end.

In general, the resilient biasing device 112 dampens or resists downwardmotion of the seat assembly 108 and provides an upward force whichcauses the seat assembly to return in an upward direction. The resilientbiasing device 112 may also limit the range of motion of the seatassembly 108 in some embodiments. For example, the resilient biasingdevice 112 may prevent the seat assembly 108 from moving downward past acertain point.

In one embodiment, the resilient biasing device 112 comprises aresilient sphere such as shown in FIG. 1A. Moving the seat assembly 108downward compresses the sphere while moving the seat assembly upwardallows the sphere to return to an uncompressed shape. The sphere'sresistance to the downward motion dampens or resists the downwardmotion. The sphere's resiliency returns the sphere to a substantiallyuncompressed shape while applying an upward force to the seat assembly108. In this manner, a gentle bouncing motion can be provided when thebouncing baby chair is in use.

The resilient sphere is beneficial in that it provides this bouncingmotion safely. In contrast to a spring for example, there are no areaswhere clothing, small fingers, hands, or other body parts can get caughtor pinched. In addition, the resilient sphere provides a resistance thatis distinct from that of a spring in that a combination of air (or othergas) pressure and the elasticity of the sphere material determines theresistance provided, rather than a metal coil as found in a spring. Theresistance of the resilient sphere may also be adjusted by inflating ordeflating the sphere.

A resilient sphere may comprise an outer resilient shell which gives thesphere its substantially spherical shape. The resilient shell may beformed from various materials including but not limited to natural orsynthetic rubber, plastics, or a combination thereof. In one or moreembodiments, the resilient shell may be airtight to allow the resilientbiasing device 112 to be filled with air or other gases. A port may beincluded to allow the shell to be filled with air or deflated. In theseembodiments, the air allows the biasing device 112 to compress andreturn to an uncompressed shape such as described above. In embodimentswith a port for inflating or deflating the biasing device, the pressurewithin the biasing device 112 may be adjusted to increase or decreasethe compressibility of the biasing device. This allows the bouncingmotion provided by the resilient biasing device to be adjusted. Forexample, inflating the resilient biasing device 112 may increasedownward resistance while deflating the resilient biasing device maydecrease downward resistance. Also, inflating the resilient biasingdevice 112 may increase the upward force provided by the resilientbiasing device, while deflating the resilient biasing device decreasesthe upward force.

It is contemplated that the resilient shell may be of various thicknessto make the biasing device 112 more or less easily compressible. Forinstance, a thicker shell may make the biasing device 112 more difficultto deform and increase the upward force provided by the biasing device.It is noted that this may be accomplished by reinforcing the resilientshell with flexible reinforcement such as but not limited to metal wiresor bars. Of course, other materials may be used to form such flexiblereinforcement. A thicker or more durable shell may also be more reliableand less easily damaged or punctured.

A resilient biasing device 112 may be held or secured beneath the seatassembly 108 in one or more embodiments. For example, in one embodiment,a resilient biasing device 112 may be secured between a portion of theframe 104 and the seat assembly 108. Securing the resilient biasingdevice 112 may be accomplished in various ways. For example, a resilientbiasing device 112 may be secured to the frame 104, the seat assembly108, or both by one or more fasteners, adhesives, welds, the like, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the resilient biasing device112, frame 104, and seat assembly 108 or portions thereof may be shapedto secure the resilient biasing device. For example, the seat assembly108 and frame 104 may have structures having a shape which correspondsto a portion of the resilient biasing device 112. In this manner, theresilient biasing device 112 may be secured at one end by the frame 104and at another end by the seat assembly 108. To illustrate, in FIG. 1A,the frame 104 and seat assembly 108 have open structures or openings 144allow a portion of the resilient biasing device 112 to be insertedtherein.

FIGS. 1B-1D illustrate various openings, fasteners, mounts, or otherstructures which may be found on a frame, seat assembly, or both tosecure a resilient biasing device. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, a roundor circular opening 144 which corresponds to the shape of the resilientbiasing device 112 of FIG. 1A is provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C,an opening 144 is formed by elongated members (of the frame or seatassembly). In this manner, as shown, the resilient biasing device 112 isheld between the frame 104 and seat assembly 108. In use, the resilientbiasing device 112 is retained between the frame 104 and seat assembly108 as it deforms and returns to a substantially undeformed shape. It isnoted that a the same or a combination of various openings 144 may beutilized in the frame 104, seat assembly 108, or both.

Alternatively, or in addition, a resilient biasing device 112 may besecured by various fasteners on the frame 104, the seat assembly 108, orboth such as shown in FIG. 1D. In one or more embodiments for example,the resilient biasing device 112 may be secured by hook and loopfasteners 152, holes 156 for threaded or straight fasteners whichutilize friction to secure objects together, hook or loop type fasteners148, or a combination thereof. Though shown in combination in FIG. 1D,it is noted that various fasteners may be used individually or incombination in various embodiments of the bouncing baby chair.

It is contemplated that the resilient biasing device 112 may also beshaped to be secured within a bouncing baby chair. For example, theresilient biasing device 112 may have one or more substantially planaror other shaped sections. In one embodiment, a spherical resilientbiasing device 112 may have a flat or substantially flat bottom and/ortop for example. The flat portion (or any other portion) of a resilientbiasing device 112 may also be secured by one or more fasteners. Forexample, a resilient biasing device 112 may include one or more mountswhich allow the biasing device to be fastened to a frame 104, seatassembly 108, or both. The mounts may be various structures such as butnot limited to hooks, loops, clips, threads, ties, hook and loopfasteners, screws, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the mountsof a resilient biasing device 112 may be chosen such that they arecompatible with one or more fasteners on the frame 104, seat assembly108, or both, such as described above.

Operation of an exemplary bouncing baby chair will now be described withregard to FIGS. 2A-2C. As shown, a parent holding a baby are seated inthe bouncing baby chair. A backrest is shown supporting the parent'sback. However, as noted above, a backrest need not be provided in allembodiments.

In FIG. 2A, the parent and baby are seated in the bouncing baby chair.The weight of the parent and baby may compress the resilient biasingdevice 112 downward. Also, some bouncing may be experienced simply bysitting on the baby chair based on the resiliency of the biasing device112. The parent may begin a bouncing motion by moving his or her body upand down.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the seat assembly 108 may be pushed or moveddownward. This deforms the resilient biasing device 112 downward andcauses the seat assembly 108 to rotate downward about the pivot 116. Ascan be seen, the downward motion is in a substantially verticalorientation for the baby. This is in contrast to a rocking which has ahorizontal movement.

It is noted that the pivot 116 of the baby chair is advantageous in thatit allows a downward motion to be generated in a variety of ways. Forexample, the parent may cause a downward motion of the seat assembly byshifting his or her weight forward or backward without having to lifthis or her body weight. This reduces strain on the parent when takingcare of the baby. The pivot 116 rotatably secures the seat assembly 108allowing a shift in body weight to translate into downward motion.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the seat assembly 108 may then return upward. Theupward motion may be assisted by the resilient biasing device 112. Thisis because the resiliency of the resilient biasing device 112 willtypically tend to return the biasing device to an uncompressed orsubstantially uncompressed state. In doing so, the resilient biasingdevice 112 creates an upward force on the seat assembly 108 whichassists the upward motion of the seat assembly. As can be seen, theupward motion of the seat assembly 108 causes its arm 128 to rotateabout the pivot 116 similar to the downward motion. In addition, theupward motion is also substantially vertical in contrast to a rockingmotion. In one or more embodiments, a parent may apply an upward orlifting force such as through his or her legs to achieve the upwardreturn of the seat assembly 108.

By repeating the upward and downward motions, a gentle bouncing may beachieved to soothe a colicky baby. The amount of upward or downwardmotion may be controlled by the parent or other user by applying more orless force upon the seat assembly 108. This is beneficial in that somebabies may like more bouncing rather than less bouncing, or vice versa.

The substantially vertical movement of the baby provided by the bouncingbaby chair is highly advantageous. This vertical movement may soothebabies which would otherwise remain agitated by other remedies. Forexample, a vertical movement may be more enjoyable or soothing to a babythan a traditional rocking motion or other motion. Further, the verticalmovement does not cause the baby to have acid reflux or other digestiveproblems which would only serve to further agitate the baby. [PROVIDEADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES IF DESIRED]

Also, as described above, the bouncing baby chair provides elementswhich allow a parent to easily generate this vertical bouncing motion.This reduces fatigue on parents. In fact, the bouncing baby chair may besoothing or relaxing for both parents and babies. The parent's andbaby's weight may be supported by the baby chair allowing the parent toexert less energy in soothing the baby. In addition, a backrest, ifprovided, greatly reduces strain on the parent's back and may be used toassist the parent's arms in holding the baby.

As will be described in the following, the bouncing baby chair may bedifferently configured in one or more embodiments. It will be understoodthat elements of a baby chair, though they may be described with respectto particular embodiments, may be used in various embodiments of thebaby chair. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the baby chair thatincludes a stop 304. In general, the stop 304 prevents the seat assembly108 from rotating past a certain point, as will be described furtherbelow. This embodiment also allows the parent to face the pivot 116 whenseated. This is beneficial in that the parent's legs are supported whenseated on the bouncing on the baby chair.

Like the above embodiments, the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises a frame104 and a seat assembly 108 which rotates about a pivot 116. A resilientbiasing device 112 may be positioned beneath the seat assembly 108 tosupport the seat assembly and to assist in generating a bouncing motion.The frame 104 comprises a base 120 which may be placed in contact withthe floor. A riser 124 extends upward from the base 120 and supports apivot 116 at its top. The pivot 116 may be located at various locationson the riser 124 in one or more embodiments, as described above.

The seat 128 of the seat assembly 108 may be rotatably attached by thepivot 116 such as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the seat 128 isattached at its front end. As can be seen, this allows the parents legsto remain supported by the frame 104 and riser 124 as the bouncing babychair is used. A backrest 132, if provided, may extend upward from theseat 128 to support a parent's back.

It is noted that in this and other embodiments, the parents may faceaway from or towards the pivot 116. For example, the backrest 132 mayextend substantially perpendicular to the seat 128 at a central or otherportion of the seat. This would allow a parent to sit facing toward oraway from the pivot 116 without adjusting the backrest 132. Also, it iscontemplated that the backrest 132 may be flipped, angled, or otherwiseadjustable such that a parent may be comfortably seated regardless ofwhich direction he or she desires to face when seated. For instance, thebackrest 132 may be angled away from the pivot 116 such that the seatedparent may recline while seated facing the pivot. The angle of thebackrest 132 may dictate which direction a parent faces in one or moreembodiments. Of course, a parent is free to choose which direction toface where the baby chair has no backrest 132.

The resilient biasing device 112 may be secured or held by openings 144in the frame 104, the seat assembly 108, or both. For example, theembodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates a resilient biasing device 112 beingheld in place or secured by openings 144 in the frame 104 and the seatassembly 108. As discussed above however, the biasing device 112 mayalso or alternatively be secured by fasteners, mounts, and otherdevices/structures.

The stop 304 of the embodiment in FIG. 3 will now be described. Asstated, the stop 304 generally prevents the seat assembly 108 frommoving downward past a certain point. The stop 304 may extend upwardfrom the base 120 of the frame 104 in one or more embodiments. Ingeneral, the stop 304 will typically be configured to physically blockthe movement of the seat assembly 108 thus preventing the seat assemblyfrom moving or rotating past a certain point. As shown in FIG. 3, thestop 304 extends upward such that will contact a downward moving seatassembly 108. For example, a stop 304 may contact a portion of the seat128 or other portion of a seat assembly 108 as the seat assembly movesdownward. This contact prevents the seat assembly 108 from movingfurther.

The stop 304 may extend at various angles as long as it can contact aportion of the seat assembly 108. For instance, in one or moreembodiments, the stop 304 may extend such that its top end will contactthe seat assembly 108 to prevent further movement of the seat assembly.The stop 304 may be a rigid structure in one or more embodiments. Also,the stop 304 may also include one or more bumpers, shock absorbers, orthe like. For example, in one embodiment, a shock absorber, such as arubber or other bumper, may be positioned at the top end of the stop304. A shock absorber is advantageous in that it prevents contactbetween the seat assembly 108 and the stop 304 from being abrupt orjarring which would typically disturb a baby. It is contemplated that ashock absorber may comprise one or more pistons, springs, the like, or acombination thereof in one or more embodiments.

The stop 304 is also advantageous in embodiments where the parent's legsare supported (e.g. where a parent faces the pivot when seated). This isbecause, in these embodiments, it may not be as easy for the parent tosupport the weight of the parent and the baby with the parent's legs.Thus, without the stop 304 the seat assembly 108 may rotate furtherdownward than desired. It is contemplated that the stop 304 may beadjustable to allow the seat assembly 108 to be stopped at variouslocations. For example, the stop 304 may be lengthened or shortened. Inaddition, the angle of the stop 304 may be adjusted to stop the seatassembly 108 at different locations.

Operation of an exemplary bouncing baby chair according to thisembodiment will now be described with regard to FIGS. 4A-4C. In FIG. 4A,a parent holding a baby is seated in the baby chair. As can be seen thebaby chair supports the weight of the parent and baby through the seatassembly 108. The resilient biasing device 112 may compress a slightamount due to this weight. The backrest of the seat assembly 108, ifprovided, may support the parent's back.

In FIG. 4B, the seat assembly 108 has been moved downward. In theembodiment shown, the seat assembly 108 has moved downward by rotatingabout the pivot 116. This compresses the resilient biasing device 112downward which resists or dampens the downward motion of the seatassembly 108. The seat assembly 108 may be moved downward until itcontacts a stop 304 of the frame 104. When the seat assembly 108contacts the stop 304 further downward motion of the seat assembly isprevented. This can be seen in FIG. 4B.

A shock absorber, if provided, may absorb some of the force from theseat assembly 108 when it comes into contact with the stop 304. Forexample, a shock absorber may be pressed inward by the seat assembly 108to absorb this force. It is noted that the seat assembly 108 need not bemoved all the way downward until contact with the stop 304 is made. Forexample, a bouncing motion may be achieved by moving the seat assembly108 downward an amount which does not cause the seat assembly to contactthe stop 304.

In FIG. 4C, the seat assembly 108 returns upward assisted, at least inpart, by the upward force provided by the resilient biasing device 112returning to a substantially uncompressed state. Like the downwardmotion, the seat assembly 108 may move upward by rotating upward aboutthe pivot 116.

As can be seen, the upward and downward motion may be substantiallyvertical in this embodiment of the bouncing baby chair as well. This isgenerally because the pivot 116 may be configured or oriented such thatthe seat assembly 108 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. Asstated, this motion may be repeated as desired and generates a bouncingmotion which soothes an agitated baby.

FIG. 5 illustrates an additional embodiment of the bouncing baby chairutilizing resilient cords 504 to secure the seat assembly 108 to theframe 104. In general, the resilient cords 504 allow the seat assembly108 to be moved up and down in a bouncing motion while allowing the seatassembly to be moved in other directions as well.

Similar to the above embodiments, the frame 104 provides support to thecomponents of the bouncing baby chair and may be placed in contact withthe floor. The seat assembly 108 may comprise a seat 516 to which otherparts of the seat assembly 108, such as a backrest 132 and one or morearmrests 508, may be attached. The seat 516 may be similar to the seatsdescribed above, however, may include one or more structures to allowattachment of the resilient cords 504. In other words, the seat 516 mayalso be configured to allow the seat assembly 108 to be attached to theframe 104 of the baby chair, such as through one or more resilient cords504 as will be described further below.

A resilient biasing device 112 may be located between the seat assembly108 and the frame 104. The resilient biasing device 112 may be held inplace or secured by one or more openings 144 in the seat assembly 108,the frame 104 or both. In the embodiment shown, the resilient biasingdevice 112 is secured to the seat assembly 108 by a circular opening 144configured to accept a portion of the biasing device, while the biasingdevice is secured to the frame by a rectangular opening 144 which mayaccept another portion of the biasing device. Of course, the resilientbiasing device 112 may be secured in other ways, such as the mounts andfasteners described above. It is noted that in this and otherembodiments, the resilient biasing device 112 may only be secured to theseat assembly 108 or the frame 104 but not both. To illustrate, in theembodiment of FIG. 5, the resilient biasing device 112 may besufficiently secured by the seat assembly 108 so as to not requireadditional fastening or securing.

As stated, one or more resilient cords 504 may be used to attach theseat assembly 108 to the frame 104. The resilient cords 504 may beformed from one or more flexible or stretchable materials. For example,a resilient cord 504 may be formed from a spring, elastic band, or thelike. In one embodiment, the resilient cord 504 may be bungee cord. Itis contemplated that resilient cords 504 of various size or materialsmay be used to attain the desired elasticity of the resilient cords.

For example, highly elastic or stretchable resilient cords 504 may bedesired where a larger range of motion for the seat assembly 108 isdesired. Resilient cords 504 of lesser elasticity may be used where adecreased range of motion for the seat assembly 108 is desired. Theelasticity of the resilient cords 504 will typically increase ordecrease the horizontal range of motion, vertical range of motion, orboth of the seat assembly 108.

It is contemplated that one or more resilient cords 504 of differentelasticity may be used in a single bouncing baby chair. This isbeneficial in that it allows the range of motion of the seat assembly108 to be adjusted. For example resilient cords 504 of less elasticitymay be used to make it more difficult to move the seat assembly in aparticular direction. In this manner, the range of motion may belimited.

A resilient cord 504 may be attached to the seat assembly 108 by one ormore mounts 512. The mounts 512 may comprise various fasteners orstructures. For example, a mount 512 may comprise an opening, hook,loop, clip, clamp, screw, pin, or the like. A mount 512 may also beformed by or utilize one or more adhesives, or welds. Similarly, one ormore mounts 512 may be used to attach a resilient cord 504 to the frame104. Typically, one end of a resilient cord 504 is attached to the seatassembly 108 while the other end of the resilient cord is attached tothe frame 104.

A bouncing baby chair may include one or more resilient cords 504. Asshown in FIG. 5 for example, the bouncing baby chair has four resilientcords 504. The resilient cords 504 are generally positioned at the edgesof the seat assembly 108 and frame 104. This stabilizes the edges of theseat assembly 108 relative to the frame 104. Of course, the one or moreresilient cords 504 may be positioned in other locations. In addition,additional resilient cords 504 may be used to control the range ofmotion of the seat assembly. For instance, a plurality of resilientcords 504 may be positioned at an edge or portion of the seat assembly108 to control its range of motion. The combined resilient cords 504generally have reduced elasticity as compared to a single resilientcord.

Operation of the bouncing baby chair will now be described with regardto FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A illustrates the bouncing baby chair havingresilient cords 504 in use. In FIG. 6A, a parent holding a baby isseated in and supported by the seat assembly 108 and resilient biasingdevice 112 of the bouncing baby chair. As can be seen, the resilientcords 504 help stabilize the seat assembly 108 by generally keeping theseat assembly substantially perpendicular to the ground. Of course, theseat assembly 108 may be stabilized in other orientations as well.

In FIG. 6B, the seat assembly 108 is moved downward by the parent,compressing the resilient biasing device 112 downward. It is noted thatthe resilient cords 504 may be sufficiently elastic so as to not bowwhen the seat assembly 108 is moved downward. This allows the resilientcords 504 to continue to provide stability to the seat assembly 108 asit is moved downward. As shown in FIG. 6C, the seat assembly 108 maythen be moved upward assisted by the force provided by the resilientbiasing device 112 returning to a substantially uncompressed state. Likethe above, the upward and downward motions of the seat assembly 108 maybe repeated a bouncing motion to soothe a colicky baby.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate yet another embodiment of the bouncing babychair. In this embodiment, the chair also comprises a frame 104 and aseat assembly 108. In general, the seat assembly 108 is supported withinthe frame 104 by one or more resilient biasing devices, such as springswhich will be described further below. This allows the seat assembly 108to generate the bouncing motion which soothes agitated babies.Typically, both the frame 104 and the seat assembly 108 will be rigid.

The seat assembly 108 may comprise a seat frame 704 configured torigidly support a seating surface 708. As can be seen in FIGS. 7B and7D, the seat frame 704 has members or elements which support a seat 716as well as a backrest 712 portion of the seat assembly 108. The seatframe 704 may be formed from one or more rigid materials, such as butnot limited to metal, wood, composites, and plastics. In this manner,the seat 716 and backrest 712 may be rigidly held in position when thebouncing baby chair is in use.

In one embodiment, the seat frame 704 comprises two “C” shaped frames. Alower “C” shaped frame 724 may be provided to support the seat 716 whilean upper frame 720 may be provided to support the backrest 712. Theupper frame 720 may be bent or otherwise shaped to form one or morearmrests 508. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 7B, the upper frame720 is bent or curved as it extends from the front of the seat assembly108 to the rear of the seat assembly. In this manner, two armrests 508are provided by the upper frame 720. In addition, this raises a portionof the upper frame 720 above the lower frame 724 at the rear of the seatassembly 108. This allows the raised portion of the upper frame 720 tobetter support the backrest 712 of the seat assembly 108. For instance,as shown in FIG. 7B, the raised portion of the upper frame 720 is nearthe halfway point of the backrest 712 allowing the upper frame tosupport the backrest.

At the same time, the lower frame 724 supports the seat 716. As can beseen, the seat frame 704 rigidly holds the seat 716 in position relativeto the backrest 712 and vice versa. This provides a rigid seat assembly108 which is capable of supporting a parent and baby. Also, the rigidseat assembly 108 prevents bouncing or other motions from beinggenerated by the seat assembly itself. In this manner, the bouncingmotion is generated by the resilient biasing devices or springs betweenthe seat assembly 108 and frame 104. This ensures that the desiredvertical bouncing motion is generated by the bouncing baby chair. Therigidity of the seat assembly 108 also provides support for the user'sback when in a seated position to reduce user fatigue while caring for ababy.

It is contemplated that one or more reinforcing members, such as bars,may be added between the upper and lower frame 720,724 to reinforce theseat frame 704. For example, one or more reinforcing members may extendupward from the lower frame 724 to the upper frame 720 at the rear ofthe seat frame 704. Alternatively or in addition, one or morereinforcing members may extend between various portions of the upperframe 720 and lower frame 724. For example, a reinforcing member mayextend under the seat 716 between the open “C” shape of the lower frame724. It is contemplated that these reinforcing members may provideadditional locations where portions of the seating surface 708 may beattached to the seat frame 704.

The seating surface 708 may comprise various materials. In oneembodiment, the seating surface 708 may be comprised of planarmaterials, such as illustrated. In general, the materials will be rigidto support the user. It is contemplated that the seating surface 708 maybe padded in one or more embodiments to increase user comfort. Portionsof the seating surface 708 may also be shaped to conform to a user'sbody. For example, the backrest 712 may be curved or otherwise shaped toconform to the shape of a user's back. In this manner, proper backsupport can be provided to a user. It is noted that the seat frame 104may also be contoured for the user's comfort. For example, as shown, theupper frame may be curved or shaped to provide a curved armrest 508 tosupport a user's arm.

The seating surface 708 may be attached to the seat frame 704 in variousways. For example, the seating surface 708 may be attached by adhesives,welds, fasteners, or the like. One or more additional attachments may beused as well, such as brackets or other structures. As shown in FIG. 7Afor example, the seat 716 of the seating surface 708 is attached atleast in part by a bracket 728. Examples of fasteners that may be usedinclude nuts, bolts, screws, and pins.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7C, the frame 104 may comprise one or moreside supports 732 which may be held apart by one or more cross members736. In general, the cross members 736 are sized to allow the seatassembly 108 to fit between the side supports 732. In this manner, theseat assembly 108 can be supported within the frame 104. As shown, theframe 104 comprises three cross members 736, two of which are at a lowerportion of the frame and one of which is at an upper portion of theframe. The lower cross members 736 form a portion of the base of thebouncing baby chair which keeps the chair stable on the ground or floor.The upper cross member 736 helps prevent the side supports 732 fromtilting or racking, especially when the chair is in use. As will bedescribed further below, the cross members 736 may also serve as asupport for one or more resilient biasing devices 740 such as springsbetween the frame 104 and the seat assembly 108.

The side supports 732 may comprise various shapes and sizes. In general,the side supports 732 extend upward from the base of the bouncing babychair to support the seat assembly 108 at an elevated position above thefloor or ground. This allows a user to sit in the seat assembly 108 withhis or her legs in a comfortable bent position. The elevation alsoprovides space for the seat assembly 108 to bounce up and down when inuse.

As shown, the side supports 732 have a trapezoidal shape, though ofcourse other shapes may be used. For example, the side supports 732 maybe rectangular, round, square, or other shapes. The side supports 732may be an open frame, however, typically the side supports 732 will haveone or more closed portions 744. For example, as shown, the sidesupports 732 have a closed upper portion 744 near the bottom of the seatassembly. This is beneficial in that it blocks contact with springs orother resilient biasing devices 740 connecting the seat assembly 108 tothe frame 104. This prevents a user's or other person's fingers or otherbody parts from becoming pinched by the resilient biasing devices 740 orother moving portions of the bouncing baby chair when the chair is inuse.

A lower portion of the side supports 732 may be open to save materialsand thus save on costs. In addition the open portion allows a user tosee underneath the seat assembly when at the sides of the bouncing babychair. In addition, the open portion allows a user to easily access thespace under the seat assembly 108 for cleaning or other purposes. Ofcourse, the side supports 732 may be completely closed in someembodiments. In these embodiments, the space under the seat assembly 108may be accessed from the front or back of the chair. It is noted thatembodiments having a closed portion 744 may have improved rigidity overembodiments without closed portions.

In one or more embodiments, the side supports 732 may comprise a frameof a first material and a closed portion formed from a second material.For example, a side support 732 may comprise a metal frame having awooden closed portion. Of course, a variety of combinations of materialsmay be used. The materials chosen may provide additional benefits. Forexample, a metal closed portion may be magnetic to allow users to attachone or more magnets or magnetic accessories. Also, for example, theclosed portion may be formed from a less expensive material, such asplastic to save on costs. In addition, the closed portion may beremovable from the frame portion such as for cleaning or replacement.

The closed portion 744 need not be rigid in all embodiments. Forexample, the closed portion 744 may be formed from a fabric or otherflexible material. In fact, any material may be used which prevents orhelps prevent a user's or other person's body parts from becomingpinched or injured by resilient biasing devices or other moving parts ofthe bouncing baby chair.

It is contemplated that one or more casters or wheels may be provided atthe base of the bouncing baby chair. This allows the chair to be easilymoved from one location to another. The wheels may have locks to holdthe chair in position once the chair is at a desired location. Mobilityprovides an advantage in that a user may move about the house or otherspace while caring for a baby. For example, the user may wheel orotherwise move the chair to answer a phone call or perform otheractivities while the user is caring for a baby. In one or moreembodiments, wheels or casters may be attached at the bottom of the sidesupports 732, lower cross members 736, or both.

Typically, one or more resilient biasing devices 740, such as springs orthe like, will be used at a front and back portion of a seat assembly108 to secure the seat assembly to the frame. For example, two springsmay be used at the back of the seat assembly 108 and another two springsat the front of the seat assembly. The springs or other resilientbiasing devices 740 may be attached at one end to the seat frame 704 (orother portion of the seat assembly 108) such as illustrated. The otherend of the resilient biasing devices 740 may be attached to the frame104. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D for example, springs are attached to across member 736 at the back of the frame 104 and to the side supports732 at the front of the frame.

Of course, fewer or more than four resilient biasing devices 740 may beused in various embodiments of the bouncing baby chair. For example, inone embodiment, two resilient biasing devices 740 may be used to supportthe front of the seat assembly 108 while one resilient biasing device isused at the rear of the seat assembly. Supporting both the front andback of the seat assembly 108 allows a soothing bouncing motion to begenerated by a user seated on the seat assembly. It is contemplated thatonly the back or front, but not both portions, of the seat assembly 108may be supported by resilient members 740 in some embodiments. Thisprovides a different bouncing motion similar to that described abovewith regard to the hinged or pivoting embodiments of the bouncing babychair described above.

The resilient biasing devices 740 allow the seat assembly 108 to move orbounce relative to the frame 104. The resilient biasing devices 740 maybe configured to stretch and then provide a force which returns thesupports to their original configuration, similar to the operation of aspring or elastic member as described above. As stated, resilientbiasing devices 740 may be one or more springs, elastic members, or thelike. A single bouncing baby chair may utilize a variety of resilientbiasing devices 740 if desired. This is advantageous in that thebouncing motion of the seat assembly 108 can be controlled in thismanner. For example, stronger resilient biasing devices 740 at the backof the seat assembly 108 may reduce the amount of motion or bouncing atthe rear of the seat assembly. Likewise, stronger resilient biasingdevices 740 at the front of the seat assembly 108 may reduce bouncing atthe front of the seat assembly.

The resilient biasing devices 740 may be attached in a variety of ways.In some embodiments, the resilient biasing devices may be attached bywelds, adhesives, or fasteners. In other embodiments, supportingstructures, such as hooks, clips, clamps, mounts or the like may beused. For example, as shown in FIG. 7D, resilient biasing devices 740may be attached by one or more mounts 748. The mounts 748 provide astructure to which the resilient biasing devices 740 may be attached,and may also be sized or shaped to hold the resilient biasing devices ina particular position relative to the bouncing baby chair. For instance,the mounts 748 of the seat assembly 108 in FIG. 7D are elongated toposition the resilient biasing devices 740 away from the seat assembly108. This prevents unwanted contact between the resilient biasingdevices 740 and portions of the baby chair when the chair is in use. Itis noted that the resilient biasing devices 740 may be removablyattached to allow for replacement in one or more embodiments. This alsoallows resilient biasing devices 740 to be swapped for other resilientbiasing devices 740 of different strengths.

It is contemplated that resilient biasing devices 740 may be covered bya covering to prevent pinching. For example, a spring may be covered bya cylindrical, or tubular cover to prevent a user's or other person'sfingers from being pinched in the spring. This is highly advantageousbecause the bouncing baby chair is intended for use near and with babiesor small children.

In operation, a user holding an agitated baby may bounce the seatassembly 108 up and down relative to the frame 104. Because the seatassembly 108 and resilient biasing devices 740 of the bouncing babychair support a user's body, the user does not easily become fatiguedeven after periods of extended use.

In general, the resilient biasing devices 740 provide resistance to thedownward motion of the seat assembly 108. In addition, the resilientbiasing devices 740 provide a return force which returns the seatassembly 108 upward. When the seat assembly 108 is moved downward, theresilient biasing devices 740 deform or elongate. The resilient biasingdevices 740 then return to their undeformed configuration as the seatassembly 108 moves back upward. In this manner, the forces provided bythe resilient biasing devices 740 help the user generate a soothingbouncing motion and reduce user fatigue.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A baby chair comprising: a frame comprising: twotrapezoidal side supports having a closed top portion and an open bottomportion; one or more lower cross members extending between thetrapezoidal side supports at a bottom end of the trapezoidal sidesupports; and one or more upper cross members extending between thetrapezoidal side supports at a top end of the trapezoidal side supports,the one or more upper cross members at a rear of the baby chair; and aseat assembly comprising: a seat configured to accept a user in a seatedposition; a backrest configured to support a user's back; and a seatframe comprising an upper frame and a lower frame, the lower frameconfigured to support the seat, the upper frame extending upward from afront end of the lower frame and towards the a back end of the lowerframe, wherein a back portion of the upper frame supports the backrest;and one or more resilient biasing devices between the seat assembly andthe frame, the one or more resilient biasing devices attached at a firstend to the frame and attached at a second end to the seat assembly,wherein the seat assembly is configured to bounce within the frame whileattached to the one or more resilient biasing devices.
 2. The baby chairof claim 1 further comprising one or more wheels at the bottom end ofthe trapezoidal side supports.
 3. The baby chair of claim 1, wherein oneor more of the one or more resilient biasing devices are attached at thefirst end to the upper cross member of the frame.
 4. The baby chair ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more resilient biasing devices are one ormore resilient biasing devices of a first strength and one or moreresilient biasing devices of a second strength.
 5. The baby chair ofclaim 4, wherein the one or more resilient biasing devices of the firststrength are at a front portion of the seat assembly and the one or moreresilient biasing devices of the second strength are at a rear portionof the seat assembly.
 6. The baby chair of claim 1, wherein the one ormore resilient biasing devices are springs.
 7. The baby chair of claim1, wherein the backrest and seat are formed from a single rigidmaterial.
 8. A baby chair comprising: a seat frame comprising an upperframe and a lower frame, the lower frame extending upward and back froma front portion of the lower frame; a seat attached to the lower frame;a backrest attached to the upper frame; one or more armrests formed by aportion of the upper frame between the backrest and the seat; one ormore side supports having a closed top portion and an open bottomportion; one or more upper cross members extending between the one ormore side supports at a top end of the one or more side supports, theone or more upper cross members at a rear portion of the one or moreside supports, wherein the one or more upper cross members are longerthan a width of the seat to allow the seat to fit between the one ormore side supports; one or more lower cross members extending betweenthe one or more side supports at a bottom end of the one or more sidesupports; one or more rear resilient biasing devices attached at a firstend to the one or more upper cross members and at a second end to thelower frame of the seat frame; one or more front resilient biasingdevices attached at a first end to the one or more side supports and ata second end to the lower frame of the seat frame at the front portionof the lower frame.
 9. The baby chair of claim 8, wherein the upperframe of the seat frame is curved to form one or more curved armrests.10. The baby chair of claim 8, wherein the one or more side supports aretrapezoidal in shape.
 11. The baby chair of claim 8, wherein the frontresilient biasing devices are of a first strength and the rear resilientbiasing devices are of a second strength.
 12. The baby chair of claim 8,wherein the front resilient biasing devices and the rear resilientbiasing devices comprise covered springs.
 13. The baby chair of claim 8,wherein the baby chair has only one rear resilient biasing device. 14.The baby chair of claim 8, wherein the seat is padded.
 15. The babychair of claim 8, wherein the one or more side supports are completelyclosed.
 16. A method of soothing a baby at a bouncing baby chaircomprising: accepting a user carrying a baby on a seat assembly of ababy chair, the seat assembly comprising a seat frame supporting a seatand a backrest of the seat assembly, an upper frame of the seat frameforming one or more armrests; supporting the user's weight with theseat; supporting the user's back with the backrest; and bouncing theseat assembly in an up and down motion within a frame of the baby chairto soothe the baby, the frame comprising two side supports having aclosed top portion and an open bottom portion, wherein the seat assemblyis attached to the frame by one or more resilient biasing devices. 17.The method of claim 16 further comprising moving the bouncing baby chairfrom one location to another on one or more wheels attached at a bottomend of the bouncing baby chair.
 18. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising supporting one or more of the user's arms on an armrestformed by an upper frame of the seat frame.
 19. The method of claim 16further comprising preventing physical contact with the one or moreresilient biasing devices with the closed top portion of the two sidesupports.
 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising preventingphysical contact with the one or more resilient biasing devices with oneor more tubular covers surrounding the one or more resilient biasingdevices.